Baptism “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins”. Mark 1:4
The decision to be baptized should mean that you are ready to change your life; this means leaving the old you behind. This is done by putting away your bad ways and habits (sins as defined by scripture) and to begin your walk in righteousness. After all, the purpose of your baptism is the beginning of a new life, repenting for your sins and not doing those bad things anymore. Repentance is simply the heartfelt regret for the wrongs you have done along with the desire to want to change. No one should have to tell you that you need to repent; this should be self-‐convicting. “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins”. Mark 1:5
Don’t be discouraged! The putting away of your bad ways and habits is going to be a continuous work-‐in-‐progress that will not happen overnight; to achieve this might even involve distancing yourself from bad influences (which can include people).
The United Congregation of Israel
At no point and time should you ever be made to feel that your baptism is an alliance being made with any church or building, and please do not commit spiritual fornication by going from church to church and getting baptized. Once again, this is a vow between you and YHWH in the name of Yahshua, the Messiah. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism”. Ephesians 4:5
Your baptism should also be done with you fully submerged into water; a sprinkle of water will not do. Think about it. Do you say that you’re going to clean your body by taking a bath but then only go and sprinkle some water on your head? The act of taking a bath to clean yourself involves being fully submerged into water and it should be the same with your baptism (spiritual bath); after all, you are cleansing your body of its sinful ways. Did YHWH not purge the earth of sin in the time of Noah by covering the entire earth with water? This action was a baptism of the whole earth!! “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Yahshua the Anointed is the Son of God (Elohim). And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him”. Acts 8:36-38
Your baptism is a vow between you and YHWH; it should not and must not be entered into lightly. This is the reason why children should never be baptized until they reach the age of understanding and accountability. This vow is a vow of marriage! Yes, when you take your baptism, you are now married to YHWH and this should be done through his son Yahshua’s name. Unlike today’s marriage vows that end up in divorce, divorce is very costly and is not recognized by scripture; it will cost you to lose out on eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. If for any reason you do not think that your baptism is important, please ask yourself why did Yahshua himself, who was without sin or blemish, still get baptized?? “And Yahshua, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of Elohim (God) descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. Matthew 3:16-17
The United Congregation of Israel